Central Avenue Business Improvement District is putting veterans to work and urges other employers to do the same. The veteran's employment program is one of the many employment initiatives housed under the CBID's newly launched "On the Job" program.
The Central Avenue Business Improvement District began employing veterans two years ago, and during that time, the agency has successfully placed five veterans.
Anthony Capece, Executive Director for the Central Avenue Business Improvement District, says hiring returning vets is a small contribution employers can make to vets for their service to this country. “As far as I’m concerned, they should get the red carpet wherever they go,” says Capece.
The employment program provides a two-step approach to returning vets re-entry into the community and economy. First, vets are part time through the Veteran’s Affairs Office, in concert with other programs offered through the VA. Once they complete these programs they can move to a direct referral full-time employment program run through individual employers. The employment program is critical for vets’ re-entry. “On the one hand we’re doing what we can do, but on the other hand, they’re doing a great service for us,” says Capece.
Bob Chowenhill, an Army veteran enjoys his new position with the Clean Team. “I like being outside, walking and being on your feet, moving around,” he says. Chowenhill worked in light construction before this, but he enjoys how busy the Central neighborhood is. “There’s lots of action and people,” he says.
Allen Dotson, a Marine Corp vet, was unemployed before his present position on the Clean Team. In the Marine Corp he was on the barracks duty for the marine guard, protecting fellow servicemen and other high-value targets from foreign attack. His position at the BID is “more laid back,” he says with a smile, adding, “This is the kind of atmosphere I like to work in.”
Michael Redding, infantryman for the Marine Corps said the transition to being in-country is difficult for most vets. “My job was to run up and down hills digging (fox) holes and trying not to get shot,” says Redding. “There’s not a job like that in the U.S.”
Redding, who is known as ‘Hollywood’ to district members and neighbors because of his million-megawatt personality, says he enjoys his job with the Central BID. “I love this job,” he says. “I like talking to people.”
The veteran’s employment program is a great option for all district members. “They’re eager good quality workers and we’ve had nothing but good successes with all the guys,” Capece says.
The program helps employers get access to giant pool of conscientious, reliable employees, and the department covers overhead costs like health benefits and social security, making it more cost-effective for employers.
“Hiring a veteran is not good will, it’s just good business sense,” says T.P. O’Mahoney, Chairman of the Presidents’ National Hire Business Committee.
For more information about how this program or other "On the Job" programs can work for you, contact Anthony Capece at (518) 462-4300 or anthony@centralbid.com. Employers interested in the program should contact a Veterans Employment Specialist at (518) 465-5251.
